HAMWORTHY Recreation boss Steve Manuel is refusing to get carried away after his side destroyed Sturminster Newton 5-0 in their opening Dorset Premier League game.

The defensively strong Sturs held firm during the first half but the floodgates opened in the second.

Adam Marsh gave the visitors the lead after 55 minutes, before Kane Andrews doubled the advantage on 64.

Chris Rigler scored from the penalty spot four minutes later and strikes from Mike Notley and Ashley Boyt completed the rout.

Despite being one of the division's most prolific goalscorers last term, the Rec could not find the consistency needed to mount a title challenge.

And with Portland United opening their championship defence with a 6-0 home drubbing of Hamworthy United, Manuel believes the Islanders are the team to beat.

He said: "I think that anyone who finishes above Portland will win the league - it's as simple as that.

"They lost one league game last season and they're the side everyone must set their sights on.

"Just beating them in the semi-finals of the cup down there last season was a big coup as far as we were concerned.

"But there are a number of teams who have strengthened up, so it will be an interesting tussle."

Although Rec were forced to wait for their breakthrough on Saturday, Manuel was always certain it would arrive.

He added: "To be fair, we had most of the play in the first half and were very patient.

"We know we have goals in us and it was really just a question of being patient and fighting on.

"As long as we kept possession of the ball, we knew they wouldn't be able to keep it up for 90 minutes.

"We carried on in the second half, ground them down and once we got one, it was almost a case of job done."

Another team who should be involved in the title hunt is Holt United, who opened their campaign with a 3-0 home victory over Bridport.

Simon Edwards opened the scoring after 20 minutes.

Keith Middleton made it two just before the interval and Edwards bagged his second to wrap up the points.

Meanwhile, Poole Borough came from 2-0 down to snatch a draw against Cranborne at Turlin Moor.

James Antell gave the Cranes an early lead after four minutes and Adam Beattie struck their second on 23.

Simon Landers pulled one back for the Hornets on 39, before James Pinder grabbed an equaliser to level the contest at 2-2 eight minutes from time.

New Swanage Town and Herston boss Jason Phillips had a goalless start to his reign as manager. His side held Cobham Sports to a 0-0 draw at Merley.

Wincanton Town recorded a 4-0 triumph over visitors Sturminster Marshall.

And in the day's other game, DPL newcomers Chickerell United held visitors Westland Sports to a 1-1 draw.